Subject: Who are sitting in the 24 Thrones? |
Bible Note: Greetings Righteous Plan! Revelation 4:4 states, "Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads." "4:4 The identity of the 24 elders can be established from a careful observation of the descriptive data. They are clothed in white, indicating purity; seated on thrones, suggesting responsibility and status; crowned with victors’ wreaths (, Gk.); and they themselves bear witness that they have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and, therefore, constitute a kingdom of priests (5:10, “us” NU, M them, “kings” NU a kingdom). Such a description can only represent redeemed humanity. Twenty-four is twice twelve. In the picturesque vision of the New Jerusalem in ch. 21, the city is said to have twelve pearl gates, inscribed with the names of the twelve sons of Jacob, and twelve foundations, inscribed with the names of the twelve apostles. A similar truth is presented in the number of elders. Both O.T. and N.T. saints are gathered as the family of God in heaven and are here represented in the 24 elders." -Believer's Study Bible "4:4 Twenty-four elders recalls the idea of the heavenly council (see Job 1-2; Ps 82), but here their function is solely to praise God." -Cambridge Annotated Study Bible "4:4 twenty-four elders. Some understand these to be angelic beings, though it is likely that the 24 elders represent redeemed people who are glorified, crowned, and enthroned. Angels are never said to be given crowns, though believers are (2 Tim. 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Rev. 2:10)." -Ryrie Study Bible Nolan |